NORFOLK, Va., March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Toyota Logistics Services has awarded Norfolk Southern Corporation the 2007 President's Award for overall logistics excellence among rail carriers, its highest award given to a logistics provider.
The award is based on overall performance in customer service, on-time performance and quality. Norfolk Southern has received the President's Award five times since the program began in 1996.
"Outstanding and consistent service performance, a proven commitment to working with the customer, and a focus on damage prevention are all in alignment with Toyota objectives," said Alan DeCarr, group vice president for Toyota Logistics Services & International Operations. "We are pleased to recognize Norfolk Southern as a repeat recipient of the President's Logistics Award."
"Norfolk Southern's partnership with Toyota started in 1986 when the company opened its first U.S. plant, in Georgetown, Ky.," said Donald W. Seale, NS executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Our commitment to that partnership remains strong today, and we look forward to continuing to meet Toyota's high standards for excellence by providing safe, damage-free, on-time service."
Norfolk Southern also received Toyota's Logistics Excellence Award for On- Time Performance among rail carriers. This is the seventh time NS has won the award.
Norfolk Southern transported 700,000 Toyota vehicles in 2007, including those originating from NS-served plants in Georgetown, Ky., Lafayette, Ind., and Princeton, Ind. Georgetown produces the Camry, Avalon and Solara and will add the new Venza model CUV in the fall of 2008. Lafayette produces the Camry, and Princeton produces the Sienna mini-van, Sequoia SUV, and Tundra truck.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America's largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products.